Rance,
without doubt i would say that the scissor type is the only way to go with the mini-lathe because the machine is so light and flexible (compared with larger and industrial types). The scissor action means that most of the forces stay in the tool and are not transferred to the spindle, bearings ,slides etc.
Although it would be a relatively easy project I would suggest that you have done and buy a small scissor knurler as I did.
The one I bought here in the UK looks amazingly like (identical even) the smaller of the ones that www.littlemachineshop.com do.
I have had mine for about 3 years and it has been fine for everything I have needed which has ranged from 3/16" lockscrew though various knobs up to 1 1/2" knobs and hammer and screwdriver shafts mainly on ally and brass. Finer knurl wheels might be preferable if you are down at 1/8" or so but all my results have been good, certainly I don't think you would be disappointed with it.
There is nothing particularly hard about knurling just align throught the centre of your work, tighten the knob, select slow speed and apply plenty of cutting oil and just tighten up and keep applying oil as you go until you get the knurl depth you need. If you are knurling a shaft just slowly traverse the carriage from end to end as you go tightening form time to time at either of the ends.
If you want an article might I suggest that you subscribe to the premium content of frank hoose's www.mini-lathe.com site which covers basic lathe operation and some neat starter project in plenty of words and pics and idealfor a newbie to the minis. I subscribed when I got my lathe 3 years since and thought it was probably one of the best $25 I have spent.
No connection with either of these sites, just pleased that they are there for us mini-lathe types.
Gerry
leeds UK
From: "rancerupp" <rupps@...>
Reply-To: 7x12minilathe@...
To: 7x12minilathe@...
Subject: [7x12minilathe] Buying & Using a Knurler
Date: Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:43:20 -0000
Gerry, others,
So what should I look for in a knurler? Buy just the knurls and make my
own mount or buy the whole tool? Seems to me that buying the whole tool
would be best. Do I really need multiple tpi knurls? I'm just a
beginner so I can't imagine needing more than just the 'average'
knurled knob.
Any articles on how to use a knurler? Which type (sissor vs. fixed)
would be best for a beginner? Thanks.
Rance
RE: [7x12minilathe] Re: Way Wear, Hard Gibs
I have the scissor type and apart from the physical restriction on what
you can knurl due to the throat they have worked very well for me. Mine
will take just under 2" and in reality this has not proved a problem
for the type of stuff i do.
Gerry
leeds UK
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gerry waclawiak